Stinky's Recommendation

Unlike conventional sewer systems used in cities, your Onsite Wastewater Treatment and Disposal System requires some minimum maintenance, this being the periodic removal of solids from the septic tank. The frequency of cleaning depends on the size of the septic tank and the number of people it serves. We recommend tanks should be inspected annually and pumped every 3 to 5 years. When a garbage disposal is used, more frequent cleaning may be required.

There are no known chemicals, yeasts or other substances capable of eliminating or reducing the solids in a septic tank so that cleaning is unnecessary. The use of such products is not necessary for the proper operation of an Onsite Wastewater Treatment and Disposal System.

Normal amounts of detergents, bleaches, drain cleaners, toilet bowl deodorizers, and other household chemicals can be used and won’t harm the bacterial action in the septic tank. DO NOT DEPOSIT hair combings, coffee grounds, dental floss, disposable diapers, kitty litter, sanitary napkins, tampons, cigarette butts, condoms, gauze bandages, fat, grease, or oil, paper towels and similar non-decomposable materials. Especially avoid dumping grease down the drain. It can build up in the tank and plug the inlet. Keep a separate container for waste grease and throw it out with the trash. NEVER FLUSH CHEMICALS that could contaminate surface and groundwater such as: paints, varnishes, thinners, waste oils, photographic solutions, or pesticides.

Conserve Water

The Onsite Wastewater Treatment and Disposal System that serves your property is designed on a maximum water use of 150 gallons per bedroom per day. As an example, the system for a 3 bedroom home is designed for a water use of 450 gallons per day. Any use of water that exceeds the designed flow will hydraulically overload your system and could cause premature failure. Using less water is the best thing you can do to maintain your Onsite Wastewater Treatment and Disposal System.

• Repair water leaks, such as toilet valves that don’t seal and dripping faucets.
  
  
• Space out water use throughout the day and week. For example, avoid washing all of your laundry on one day.
  
  
• Install water conserving fixtures like low flow shower heads, low flow toilets, and even look at purchasing a front loading washing machine.

Protect Your System

• Do not park cars, boats, other vehicles, or heavy equipment over any part of the Onsite Wastewater Treatment and Disposal System.
  
  
• Keep pavement, driveways, decks, swimming pools, house additions, gardens, and outbuildings away from any part of the Onsite Wastewater Treatment and Disposal System.
  
  
• Do not put additional soil fill over any part of our Onsite Wastewater Treatment and Disposal System. Increasing the depth of soil over your system limits the infiltration of air into the soil needed by the microorganisms to clean up wastewater.
  
  
• Surface water should be diverted away from the Onsite Wastewater Treatment and Disposal System including eave spouts and sump pump discharges.
  
  
• Do not plant trees or shrubbery in the disposal system area, because the roots can get into the lines and plug them.
  
  
• With a little care and careful operation, your system should be trouble free and last for many years. If you have any questions or need assistance, please feel free to call us.

Sincerely,

      Stinky